Happy Valentine’s Day!

I’ve been in the mood for homemade granola so I decided to experiment.  With Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought chocolate covered strawberry granola would be a great version.

I love chocolate covered strawberries.  I will sometimes go to a Chocolate and Coffee Shop called Winan’s Fine Chocolate and Coffee Shop.  I will order a coffee and a chocolate covered strawberry if they have them.  It’s a nice little treat.

I prefer using Freeze Dried Fruit when making granola.  You can order it online or buy it at Trader Joe’s or Target.  I like how it sort of melts in your mouth when you are eating the granola.  Dried fruit is too sticky for me.

This recipe is easy.  The worst part is waiting for the chocolate drizzle to harden.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola

Basic granola recipe adapted from Finding Joy in My Kitchen

Stars of the recipe:

• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 4 c. oats, rolled or instant
• 1/2 c. chopped pecans or any other nut
• 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder, optional
• 1/2 c. freeze dried strawberries, chopped
• 1 c. chocolate chips, divided in half

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.  Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.  Set aside.
2. In a medium sauce pan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and water.  Allow to cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, add the oats, pecans, and cocoa powder (if using it).   Stir to combine.
4. Pour the butter, brown sugar, and water over the oat mixtures.  Stir until well combined.
5. Pour onto cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes.
6. Pull out of the oven and stir.  Place back into the oven.  Bake for 5 more minutes.
7. In a microwavable bowl, pour a half cup of chocolate chips.  Melt the chocolate chips (directions below).
8. Once finished, sprinkle the strawberries over the finished granola.  Drizzle the melted chocolate over the granola.  Allow to harden.
9. Add the other half of the chocolate chips to the granola.
10. Enjoy over yogurt.

How to melt the chocolate:

1. Place the chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl.
2. Cook on 30% power for 1 minute.
3. Remove from microwave.
4. Stir.
5. Place back in the microwave.
6. Cook on 30% power for 30 seconds.
7. Remove from microwave.
8. Stir.
9. Continue microwaving at 30 second intervals until melted.

Store the granola in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Happy Valentine’s Day and happy eating,
Traci